Why You Should Design Your Garden
By Emma Russell
Garden design is crucial to ensure you get the most out of your outdoor space all year round.
Once you have considered the many ways that you’d like to use the space, then you can begin to outline your design. Consider what each area needs in terms of space and begin to section off areas.
Most gardens need a seating area, so start by establishing where the best location will be. Bear in mind the views and privacy, sun or shade, and whether you’d prefer a quiet spot away from the house or if you need to be close to facilities. This area could be defined by decking, a patio, or some kind of ground cover. If you enjoy cooking and entertaining, consider including a barbecue area and include a level surface to place the grill. You could even add some outdoor furniture for food preparation and serving, maybe one large table for entertaining, and possibly smaller side tables to hold drinks and snacks. Seating could be a combination of chairs, benches, or even hammocks for relaxation. Just think about your own preferences and how best to accommodate them.
Now determine the easiest routes for paths and walkways and use string to outline your initial ideas before finalising your plans. Now that you have access to your outdoor living area, you can decide whether to add a lawn. Lush green grass looks gorgeous but it takes a lot of work to maintain, so be realistic with the size of your plot.
Adding flower beds may take some time, you need to establish where the sun shines and how well the soil drains before you commit to buying plants. Whether you like growing flowers, shrubs, or vegetables, choose plants that will thrive in your climate and soil conditions. Do plenty of research and find a variety of plants that will create a garden with a diverse mix of flowers and shrubs. This ensures your garden will be visually interesting throughout the seasons.
If you want to grow vegetables, raised beds work well and reduce back strain from tending plants, or you can grow in pots and move plants around the garden until you find suitable spaces. It’s possible to produce a wide variety in a small space if you can take the time to plan your veg plot.
Trees are a beautiful addition to any garden as they provide shade and privacy, but they also take years to grow and spread their roots underground. Always consider how large a mature tree could become and plant it away from any building foundations.
Designing your garden to suit your needs, means that you will optimise your time outside. A well-considered layout will ensure every aspect of your garden suits its function and purpose and each area reflects your lifestyle effectively.
